Malta yacht charter
Malta is three small islands close together, Malta, Gozo and Comino, with clear water, a lot of history and Sicily within reach. June and September are the best months. It suits families most.
Malta is three islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, in the middle of the Mediterranean. They are small and close together, with very clear water and a lot of history for their size. Valletta and the Grand Harbour are one of the great arrivals by sea. The season is long, English is an official language, and Sicily is within a day's sail.
Why go, and whom it suits
Families
The distances are short, the water is clear and shallow in places, and there is plenty ashore: Valletta's forts, Mdina's walled town, and Gozo's beaches. English is spoken everywhere.
Couples and honeymoons
Gozo is quieter and greener than Malta, and its bays at Dwejra and Xlendi are good places for an evening. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant here.
Friends and celebrations
St Julian's and Valletta have the restaurants and the nightlife, and Comino's lagoon is a famous swimming day. It is busy, so go early.
Less suited to a whole week of island-hopping. There are only three islands, so many people add Sicily or spend part of the week ashore.
The areas
Malta
Valletta and the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities across the water, the fishing harbour of Marsaxlokk, and the bays of the north and east coasts.
Comino
A tiny island between the two. Its Blue Lagoon is the best-known spot, and the captain will suggest the time of day to swim there. The Crystal Lagoon and the caves are nearby.
Gozo
Greener and slower. Mġarr harbour, Xlendi's narrow bay, the cliffs and the Inland Sea at Dwejra, and Ramla's red-sand beach. The Azure Window rock arch collapsed in 2017.
Sicily
Not Malta, but in reach: the south-east coast of Sicily is in reach, for a week that becomes two countries. See Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.
When to go
- May to October, one of the longer seasons in the Mediterranean.
- July and August are hot, and the lagoon days are busy.
- June and September are the best months for most people.
- Wind. Whatever the wind, one side of the islands is usually in its lee, and the captain picks the anchorage to suit.
Month | Weather and sea | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
May | The season begins; the sea is still warming | Before the summer peak | Spring is particularly pleasant |
June | Early summer; the sea warms through the season | Before the summer peak | One of the best months for most people |
July and August | Hot | Busy lagoon days | Weekly rates are higher |
September | Late summer, when the water is warmest | After the summer peak | One of the best months for most people |
October | The end of the season | After the summer peak | Autumn is particularly pleasant |
What it costs
The charter fee is each yacht's own weekly rate. Her page shows it "from", which is her lowest season; July and August cost more.
- VAT is added to the fee at the rate that applies to charters in Malta, and each yacht's quote shows it.
- APA, the Advance Provisioning Allowance, is paid with the balance. It is money held by the captain for fuel, food, drinks, berths and similar costs, spent on your instructions and accounted for at the end; anything unspent is returned. Budget up to 40% of the charter fee for it.
- A week ending in Sicily can add a delivery fee for the yacht's return.
For what a crewed charter costs, line by line, see our guide.
The weekly rate on each yacht’s page. "From" is her lowest season.
An advance for fuel, food, drinks and berths, spent on your instructions and settled at the end.
Set by the country the charter starts in, added to the fee.
Round trip from Valletta
The yacht and the weather decide the real route.
Board in the afternoon, and arrive in the Grand Harbour under the forts. Dinner in Valletta or on board.
Birgu by tender in the morning, then a swim in St Peter's Pool and lunch in Marsaxlokk.
Early to the lagoon before the day boats arrive, then the caves on the island's west side.
A quiet bay for the afternoon and dinner in Mġarr.
Dwejra's cliffs and the Inland Sea, then a night in Xlendi bay.
Ramla in the morning, and back across to Malta's northern bays.
A last swim and disembarkation, or the start of a second week to Sicily.
The yachts that cruise here
Most of the yachts we show in Malta are motor yachts over 40 metres, for 11 or more guests.
Every one of them also cruises Italy, which is how a Malta and Sicily week comes about. The yachts on this site are a selection, not the limit of what we arrange: ask about any yacht, of any size.
Practical questions
Rene GaspersicYour broker
Is Malta big enough for a week?
For a slow week, yes: three islands, many bays and a lot to see ashore. Many people prefer to add Sicily, which is a day away.
Is English spoken?
Yes. English is one of Malta's two official languages.
Which currency is used, and is Malta in the EU?
The euro; Malta is in the EU and the Schengen area.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
Early or late, yes. In the middle of a summer day it is very crowded with day boats. A crewed yacht can be there before them.
Can we go to Sicily?
Yes, as part of a one-way or longer week. It is a long passage, and the yacht's return can add a delivery fee.
Is it good for children?
Yes: short passages, clear water, forts and caves, and English everywhere.
How long is the transfer from the airport?
Malta's airport is close to the Valletta-area marinas.
Is there an airport on Gozo?
No. Gozo is reached by ferry or, for you, by the yacht.
When is the water warmest?
Late in the summer: the sea warms through the season, so a later week is warmer than an early one.
If you are also weighing Sicily
Sicily is bigger and wilder, with volcanoes, the Aeolian Islands and food ashore everywhere. Malta is compact, English-speaking and easy. They combine well in two weeks, or in one longer one-way week. See Italy.
Talk to a broker
Tell us roughly when, how many of you there are, and what the week is for: a family summer, a honeymoon, a birthday with friends. Dates and budget can stay loose. We come back with a short list of yachts that fit, say plainly what each one is like, and stay your contact from the first email to the last day on board.
Rene Gaspersic
charter broker
Email info@soretoyachting.com · Phone +44 7342 933198 · WhatsApp +44 7342 933198
Plan
Malta.
Two short steps. Dates and budget can stay loose. We reply personally, by email, phone or WhatsApp.